The Detour, a fiction thriller, is Travis Pearson’s debut novel, and the first of a trilogy featuring Dan Icor, a very likable protagonist who finds himself in a situation he never envisioned for himself after he loses his job. With no definite plans for what he will do next, but armed with a great deal of knowledge about banking, investments and how greed corrupts, Dan is critically injured as he saves an Indian family from rape and worse. The father of the Indian family treats his injuries with ancient tribal medicines, but while Dan recovers, the family is once again set upon. Sadly, this time, the family loses their lives but at the same time, mysteriously and mystically, Dan becomes endowed with superpowers that allow him to take deserved revenge on the murderers.

What Dan pulls off, not just with the killers, but eventually with the rancid corruption of a power-hungry family that rules a town, is nothing short of brilliant. He uses his intellect and knowledge of banking to bring down the previously untouchable family of bullies and puts them in their place, both physically and financially. Readers close the novel with a feeling of satisfaction that justice has been served. For readers unfamiliar with the ins and outs of banking and all that goes on behind the scenes, The Detour is a most informative read. Pearson has done an excellent job of weaving his own life experience as a bank chairman, chief executive officer, and certified public accountant into an engaging story of good folks trying to survive corruption. His characters are well developed and realistic, assuming you don’t mind a bit of the mystical tossed in to make the almost impossible possible. If you enjoy The Detour, you can continue to follow Dan Icor in the other two books of the trilogy, False Dialogue and Deception.

In The Detour by Travis Pearson, after his losing his promising career as a banking executive, Dan Icor takes a road trip to take stock of his future. As he stops at a remote gas station, Dan is witness to a despicable ransom plot. Unable to ignore the injustice, he risks his life to rescue an innocent family. As he recovers, Dan realizes he has gained the capability of powerful visualization. As the truth behind the ransom plot is uncovered, so is the web of corruption of a small town, headed by a brutal and vicious family. Dan decides to face the family head on and end the injustice, but little does he know the magnitude of the task in hand. Dan has an ingenious plan in his search for truth and justice, but has he underestimated his opponents?

In his debut novel, the author has created a remarkable story. The characters of Dan and Jenifer are well rounded with extremely likable personality traits with excellent morals and values. The Carter family members make great villains; cunning, ruthless and vile to the core. There are many subplots cleverly woven into the main storyline and the author clearly has a background in banking as the plot is so engaging. There were many air-punching moments throughout the novel as Dan outwits the arrogant, self-entitled Carter clan. I thought the whole concept of corruption in politics, banking, and the media was so relevant to what is going on in the world today. The suspense and tension were felt throughout as the plot takes many twists and turns, keeping the reader completely embroiled in the plot. The development of the characters and the conflict is perfectly timed. If you love a great thriller or suspense novel, this is an absolute must.

When Dan Icor left the superhighway to find solitude while driving, he had no idea what was in store for him. Dan was only twenty-three years old, but he had already obtained his CPA and worked as an executive trainee in a regional bank. Two days earlier, he was fired when he pointed out several concerns placing the bank in financial risk. At the old-style gas station where he stopped to fill up, he witnessed violent killings. This tragic event changed his life. Dan had strong moral and ethical beliefs, and these beliefs led him to dangerous situations in this rural town – a town brimming with corruption and crimes. But he also met Jenifer Taylor, a beautiful, intelligent woman, and her father, the CEO of the local bank.

The Detour: Dan Icor Trilogy, written by Travis Pearson, is full of intrigue and adventure. The main character, Dan, utilizes his financial skills to work against corruption in the town. Therefore, there is a great deal of financial information that may be interesting for some readers, although it may not be as much for others. This aspect is balanced by the action scenes, where Dan displays some superhero-like tendencies, adding a unique flavor to the story. And there are a few romances added to the mix. I liked the plot, adventure, and romance elements. The writing style of the author is smooth and fast, making this a quick and engaging read. Author Travis Pearson has combined several storylines in The Detour: Dan Icor Trilogy, making this a compelling book.

Fired from his job for not being “a company man”, 23-year-old Dan Icor seeks peace and relaxation by going on a road trip. He takes a detour from the crowded superhighways to rural country roads and finds an old gas station for a much-needed fill-up. When four thugs decide to harass the Stronghearts, a Native American family at the same station, Dan can’t suppress his disgust and decides to step in. His selfless act nearly claims his life if not for the Stronghearts’ decision to save him through a peculiar method. He’s now involved in a fight where a small town is trying to prevent a family's power lust from terrorizing its residents. The Detour by Travis Pearson is a good versus evil tale in the form of a man against powerful and corrupt adversaries.

This is the second work of Travis Pearson that I’ve read. The Detour is another interesting take on corruption and manipulative individuals with the lust for power, fame, and money. Pearson gives readers a good but downed Samaritan turned hero with special abilities who stands up for the innocent. Protagonist Dan Icor is a young man with high hopes and dreams of a great career yet he is rejected by a company that doesn’t want a thinker but merely a worker. His personal detour becomes a battle for justice against false defenders that's relatable to our society today. The fast-paced plot is served through a clear and straightforward narrative. The problems of the banking industry, the stunted progress on “new ideas and diversified thinking” are also highlighted in the story. All in all, this dark and slightly twisted novella is full of action and suspense with a solid dose of the paranormal.